Rocking package

ABSTRACT

A package for the display and housing of a device that changes appearance upon a change in viewing angle includes a shaped bottom. When urged from a static position, the package and the device move on the shaped bottom permitting an observer to view the changing appearance until the movement gradually dampens out.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/349,595 filed Jan. 18, 2001, and U.S. application Ser. No. 10/053,383 filed Jan. 17, 2002, pending.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the packaging arts. It finds particular application in conjunction with packaging that rocks or oscillates to show a moving image displayed by a product within the package and will be described with particular reference thereto. It is to be appreciated, however, that the invention may find further application in other packaging environments where a rocking motion or other periodic movement is desired such as to display a feature of the items contained within the package.

[0003] Typically, packaging materials are designed to meet a variety of needs. For example, many packages are designed for shape and size to facilitate high-density packing of a plurality of these devices in, for example, a shipping carton. Packaging also is often configured to provide a positive first impression of a product to a consumer. Still further, appropriately sized packaging deters theft of products. Other design considerations that go into a typical packaging apparatus include the ability to display features of a product while at the same time, protecting the product from damage. In meeting many of the above-noted needs, packages are typically designed with flat tops and bottoms and squared-off sides all of which also ensures stability of the packaging on the retail shelves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention overcomes inadequacies in the prior art.

[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a packaging container for packaging a product in an internal cavity comprises a front side at least partially defining the internal cavity and a backside operably connectable to the first side. A curved base supporting the front and back sides permits the packaging container to oscillate.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the backside at least partially defines the internal cavity.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the curved base at least partially defines the internal cavity.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the curved base permits the packaging container to oscillate forward and aft.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the curved base permits the packaging container to oscillate side to side.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the curved base permits the packaging container to move in a plurality of directions.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the curved base comprises a radius extending between opposing side edges of at least one of the front and back sides.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the curved base comprises a radius extending between the front and back sides.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the curved base comprises a plurality of curved runners upon which the packaging container oscillates.

[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, at least one of the front and back sides comprises a cavity configured to retain a weighting device.

[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the packaging container comprises opposing sides of at least one of the front and back sides where the curved base includes rounded extensions of the opposing sides.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the packaging container comprises plastic, plastic blister material, paper, paperboard, cardboard, wood, metal, and combinations thereof.

[0017] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a combination device and package comprises a device including an image viewing mechanism permitting observation of one of a plurality of images depending on a viewing angle between an observer and the image viewing mechanism. The combination also includes a package at least partially surrounding the device permitting observation of the image viewing mechanism by the observer, the package including an arcuate bottom portion upon which the combination is movable varying the viewing angle.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the combination is movable on the arcuate bottom portion in a front and back manner varying the viewing angle in a vertical plane.

[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the combination is movable on the arcuate bottom portion in a side to side manner.

[0020] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a package for enclosing a product comprises a shaped base portion capable of supporting the product in a substantially vertical orientation. The shaped base portion permits the package and the product to periodically move upon external urging.

[0021] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the package further includes side edges abutting opposing front and back sides where the shaped base portion includes arcuate extensions from the side edges.

[0022] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the shaped base portion includes shaped rocker tracks upon which the package moves.

[0023] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the shaped base portion comprises a rounded surface permitting movement in a plurality of directions.

[0024] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the package further includes the product where the product is capable of displaying images depending on viewing angle. The product alone may be movable or otherwise capable of displaying the various images, or may require inducement of viewing angle changes such as from observer motion, external changes in the angle of viewing incidence, and combinations thereof.

[0025] Still further advantages and aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

[0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package apparatus which suitably practices the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 2 is a bottom and right side perspective view of the package illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0029]FIG. 3 is a plan form view of the package illustrated in FIG. 1 in an unassembled state; and

[0030]FIG. 4 is a rear and bottom perspective view of the packaging apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0031]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternate packaging apparatus which suitably practices the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5;

[0033]FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the package;

[0034]FIG. 8 is a view of an assembled package containing a packaged device; and

[0035]FIG. 9 is a series of side elevational views illustrating changes in angle of incidence in one embodiment of a packaged device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] With reference to FIG. 1, a package apparatus includes a front side or panel 10 defining an opening 12 which permits viewing of the object contained by the package. As illustrated, the package includes a substantially flat top 14 and opposing flat side panels 16. In one embodiment, each side panel is attached to or is integrally incorporated with a rounded rocker extension 20 as will be more thoroughly discussed below. As illustrated, the side panels taper from a widest portion adjacent rounded rocker extension 20 to a thinnest portion adjacent top 14. As is evident by continued reference to FIG. 1, upon external urging, the package will oscillate or rock along the rounded rocker extension 20.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 2, the illustrated embodiment shows the rounded rocker extensions 20 continuing from and being integral with side panel 16. In another embodiment of the invention, the extensions 20 can be reinforced with an additional shaped support such as plastic, cardboard and the like. In still another embodiment, the rounded rocker extensions 20 can alternately be included as a distinct part affixed to the bottom 22 of the package.

[0038] With reference now to FIG. 3, a flat depiction of the package from FIG. 1 is illustrated. For assembly, tabs 116 extending from the top of side panels 16 are folded along crease 30 and are then affixed or placed adjacent to top 14 when it is folded along crease 32 into its position. Back panel 18 similarly is folded along crease 34 and tab 118 is folded along crease 36 such that tab 118 can be affixed or rest on side panel 16 _(a). Continued reference to FIG. 3 reveals inner bottom 40 also having tabs 140 _(a), 140 _(b) and 140 _(c). Tab 140 _(a) is folded along crease 42 and is affixed or rests adjacent to side panel 16 _(b). Tab 140 _(b) is folded along crease 44 permitting tab 140 _(b) to attach or rest adjacent to front panel 10. Likewise, tab 140 _(c) is folded along crease 46 to attach or rest adjacent side panel 16 _(a). In the illustrated embodiment, inner bottom 40 structurally forms the bottom interior panel of the package and does not conform to the rounded rocker extensions 20. Finally, bottom panel 22 is folded along crease 48 and shaped tab 122 is fit into a slot along crease 50. FIG. 4 best shows back side or panel 18 and the accommodating slot in crease 50 for shaped tab 122.

[0039] With reference now to FIG. 5, a package 200 embodiment suitable to practice the invention includes a front side or panel 202, and a back side or panel 204. As illustrated, the sides 202, 204 are connected by bottom 206, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternate configurations are easily made without departing from the claimed invention. Front side 202 partially defines a cavity 208 a for holding a device (not shown for clarity). In the illustrated embodiment, back side 204 and bottom 206 also partially define cavities 208 b, 208 c respectively. As best seen in FIG. 6, when assembled cavities 208 a, 208 b, 208 c together form cavity 208 for holding the packaged device.

[0040] Continued reference to FIG. 5 shows the front side 202 includes a number of buttons 214 that are closely receivable into corresponding receptacles 216 included on back side 204. When so joined, the package 200 is held in joined or assembled configuration. Alternate closure arrangements within the skill of an artisan depend on the packaged device contained and the mold used to create the package.

[0041] Front side 202, back side 204 and bottom 206 include opposing lateral edges 220, 222, 224 that define sides in the assembled configuration. Alternatively, the opposing lateral edges 220, 222, 224 could be formed from less than all the components if desired.

[0042] As best illustrated by FIG. 5, in one embodiment back side 204 also contains a cavity 230 configured to retain a weighting device such as a battery or counter weight (not shown). The counter weight, optionally coupled with the weight of the packaged device itself, result in the achievement of an appropriate rocking speed. It is now evident that various combinations of device weight and additional weight are possible to meet various rocking states, including at the extreme, no additional weight. Alternatively, the location of the cavities may be moved depending on the weight distribution of the packaged device. Additionally, when the weighting device is a battery, and the package is constructed from clear material such as plastic, the battery's visible position in the cavity informs a potential customer that the battery is included.

[0043] For uses where batteries come preinstalled in the packaged device, the package also provides “press-to-test” type buttons 232 or other “try-me” features permitting customer interaction with the device prior to purchase and opening of the package 200.

[0044] Continued reference to the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 5, bottom 206 includes runners or extensions 236. As shown, extensions 236 run fore and aft permitting the package to move rhythmically back and forth along the extensions 236. Extensions may variously be formed from or integral with the sides, opposing lateral edges, the bottom itself and other locations enabling the package to freely rock, oscillate, wobble and the like. In other embodiments, extensions are not included and the package moves on a shaped bottom. In still other embodiments, the extensions or package bottom are oriented to provide side to side motion where such motion is desired to illustrate features of the packaged device. In yet other embodiments, a hemispherical or rounded bottom are provided to enable the package to wobble in several directions not confined to merely fore and aft or side to side.

[0045] With reference now to FIG. 6, an open perspective view reveals several features noted above in a different configuration. For clarity, consistent reference numbers have been used to refer to consistent features.

[0046]FIG. 7 shows an alternate viewpoint of the package where consistent reference numbers have been used to refer to consistent features.

[0047]FIG. 8 shows a package in a closed or assembled state containing a packaged device.

[0048] With reference now to FIG. 9, an embodiment of a packaged device is shown in three positions indicative of selected positions within an exemplary fore and aft movement. As illustrated, a viewer's line of sight 250 _(a), 250 _(b), 250 _(c) remains fixed while the angle of incidence α_(a), α_(b), α_(c) changes with the motion. As is evident now to those of ordinary skill in the art, the angle of incidence a changes in a vertical plane in the fore and aft embodiment illustrated. Other periodic movements correspond to angles of incidence fixed in other planes, such as predominately in a horizontal plane for a side to side moving embodiment. Wobble motion on a spheroid shaped bottom for example, changes the angle of incidence in both the horizontal and vertical planes.

[0049] The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding specification. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such alterations and modifications now known or later discovered insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. 

Having thus set forth the preferred embodiments, the invention is now claimed to be:
 1. A packaging container for packaging a product in an internal cavity, the packaging container comprising: a front side at least partially defining the internal cavity; a back side operably connectable to the first side; and a curved base supporting the front and back sides permitting the packaging container to oscillate.
 2. The packaging container as set forth in claim 1, where the back side at least partially defines the internal cavity.
 3. The packaging container as set forth in claim 1, where the curved base at least partially defines the internal cavity.
 4. The packaging container as set forth in claim 1, where the curved base permits the packaging container to oscillate forward and aft.
 5. The packaging container as set forth in claim 1, where the curved base permits the packaging container to oscillate side to side.
 6. The packaging container as set forth in claim 1, where the curved base permits the packaging container to move in a plurality of directions.
 7. The packaging container as set forth in claim 1, where the curved base comprises a radius extending between opposing side edges of at least one of the front and back sides.
 8. The packaging container as set forth in claim 1, where the curved base comprises a radius extending between the front and back sides.
 9. The packaging container as set forth in claim 1, where the curved base comprises a plurality of curved runners upon which the packaging container oscillates.
 10. The packaging container as set forth in claim 1, where at least one of the front and back sides comprises a cavity configured to retain a weighting device.
 11. The packaging container as set forth in claim 1, further comprising opposing sides of at least one of the front and back sides, where the curved base includes rounded extensions of the opposing sides.
 12. The packaging container as set forth in claim 1, where the packaging container comprises plastic, plastic blister material; paper; paperboard; cardboard; wood; metal; and combinations thereof.
 13. A combination device and package comprising: a device including an image viewing mechanism permitting observation of one of a plurality of images depending on a viewing angle between an observer and the image viewing mechanism; and a package at least partially surrounding the device permitting observation of the image viewing mechanism by the observer, the package including an arcuate bottom portion upon which the combination device and package is movable varying the viewing angle.
 14. The combination as set forth in claim 13, where the combination is movable on the arcuate bottom portion in a front to back manner varying the viewing angle in a vertical plane.
 15. The combination as set forth in claim 13, where the combination is movable on the arcuate bottom portion in a side to side manner.
 16. A package for enclosing a product, the package comprising: a shaped base portion capable of supporting the product in a substantially vertical orientation, the shaped base portion permitting the package and the product to periodically move upon external urging.
 17. The package as set forth in claim 16, further comprising: side edges abutting opposing front and back sides, where the shaped base portion includes arcuate extensions from the side edges.
 18. The package as set forth in claim 16, where the shaped base portion includes shaped rocker tracks upon which the package moves.
 19. The package as set forth in claim 16, where the shaped base portion comprises a rounded surface permitting movement in a plurality of directions.
 20. The package as set forth in claim 16, further comprising the product where the product is capable of displaying images depending on viewing angle. 